Remove White Heads

White heads and black heads are part of the effect of acne vulgaris – a condition that affects nearly everyone as they cross the Rubicon of puberty. White heads are a formation that occurs under the skin and is sometimes visible as well. These formations are a result of the ducts of sebaceous glands getting blocked and the resulting sebum and keratin backing up in the channels. This condition usually resolves itself and requires no intervention though the reason for it happening in the first place is telling of how it can be prevented.

How to remove White Heads?

Sebaceous glands are the glands present on nearly all types of skin except the skin of the palms and the soles of the feet. These glands secrete a substance called sebum. Sebum helps to retain moisture and protect the skin and consists of wax monoesters, essential fatty acids, and triglycerides. However, the sebaceous glands are very sensitive to hormonal changes and during puberty, the body is flooded with a set of hormones that it never encountered before. These are the sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone. The sudden surge of these hormones triggers sexual development but in the process also disturbs the normal balance of the skin. Keratin is another part of the skin and is an essential skin protein that helps retain moisture. When keratin is mixed with sebum, it hardens and forms a plug that blocks the movement of both of these substances to the surface. Sometimes, the presence of dirt and dead skin can exacerbate the problem. Preventing and dealing with whiteheads therefore requires a thorough facial care regime.

This starts with using acne treatments like salicylic acid. This substance breaks down dead skin proteins and makes it easier to get rid of. This can be of help in dealing with white heads by breaking off the plugs of keratin and modified sebum that form near the surface. Another important function of salicylic acid is that it is an antiseptic medium as well. It doesn’t take a lot for a white head or a black to become infected with skin bacteria and end up being a pimple; therefore, it is necessary to wash with salicylic acid until the acne regularizes. Retinoid creams are also useful during this time as retinoids promote keratinocyte turnover; basically, promoting the shedding of skin layers. The final component lies in ensuring that you always keep your face clean and ensure that your pores are never clogged.